EFFINGHAM, IL—In 1974, Mike Yager, a young tool-and-die maker from Effingham, IL borrowed $500 and began selling car manuals and other accessories from the trunk of a borrowed car. Working weekend swap meets, Corvette specialty shows and other automotive functions, this energetic entrepreneur recognized the then unknown potential of selling automotive accessories to people, instead of just parts for cars. After all, it was people who shared Mike’s passion.

Like Mike, entire generations grew up with, sang songs or watched movies about, worked on and just admired cars. Kids knew about “America’s sports car,” the Corvette and the customized, cute, air-cooled Volkswagens.

A 20-year-old Mike Yager made the leap from dreaming about cars to owning a dream car when he purchased a 1967 Corvette Roadster. Aware of the passion others like himself shared for cars such as the Corvette, Mike started selling jackets, embroidered T-shirts, drinking glasses, owner's manuals, emblems and jewelry to the loyal Corvette constituency.

Word quickly spread among Corvette enthusiasts that Mike offered quality products and exceptional Customer Care. Not surprisingly his business grew rapidly. Acknowledging that his part-time hobby now required his full attention, Mike created Mid America Enterprises in 1976, producing his first two-page, black-and-white mail order flyer.

In 1978, Mike expanded the flyer to include color photography, a small listing of Corvette replacement parts and accessories and mailed it to a growing list of customers. As sales grew, the catalog grew.

Today, Mid America Motorworks catalogs serve Corvette and Volkswagen enthusiasts. He expanded his business from Corvette only in 1998 when he acquired The Real Source, a supplier of Volkswagen parts and accessories. The Real Source incorporates a wealth of new products and accessories for owners of the beloved
Air-Cooled VW “Bug,” along with parts and accessories for Karmann Ghia, Air-Cooled VW Bus, Type 3, and The Thing.

In 2004, Mid America Motorworks expanded its Volkswagen line by acquiring the assets of Rocky Mountain Motorworks, a major supplier of parts and accessories for Volkswagens. With the acquisition, Mid America Motorworks is now the nation’s largest supplier of parts and accessories for air-cooled Volkswagens.

Mid America Motorworks now mails some 4.5 million Corvette and Volkswagen catalogs every year to its customers. Catalogs are sent several times a year as new products are added to the growing list of hard parts, accessories, and lifestyle items that allow enthusiasts to “pursue their passion” at Mid America Motorworks.

Frustrated because he could not find a reliable source for seat covers, carpeting, and other interior components that offer quality products at a reasonable price, Mike decided to start his own manufacturing operation.

In January 2002, the company purchased a 36,000 square foot facility and began its Performance Choice manufacturing division. Performance Choice produces high quality interior products at the most reasonable prices within the industry.

Performance Choice operations include foam molding, vacuum forming, injection molding and die-electric presses in the production of interior packages, seat upholstery, molded carpet sets, floor mats, door panels, shifter consoles, headliners, convertible tops and interior trim. These products are manufactured for various Corvette models, and will continue to expand in availability. Interior products for Porsche are currently being developed.

In 2004, the company was again renamed, becoming Mid America Motorworks. The older names, including The Real Source, were dropped and all operations are now included under the Mid America Motorworks name.